How to Identify a Toxic Work Environment

Perhaps you’ve had a toxic relationship with a friend or relative; you likely knew intuitively after a while that you needed to limit (or even eliminate entirely) contact with that person because the interactions weren’t healthy for you.

What about your work environment? Offices can be toxic, too, and when they are, it can be not only frustrating but also even detrimental to your career. But just because you’re unhappy with your employment doesn’t mean it’s a toxic work environment; there’s a difference between being unhappy with your job and the unhealthy interpersonal dynamics of a bad environment.

If one or more of the following exists in your workplace, your place of employment just might be toxic.

Weak Leadership

When the Big Boss, HR department, or others in leadership roles are inept and ineffectual, a situation is created that allows unhealthy dynamics to take control. Conflicts can arise, egos get out of hand, and bad attitudes can dominate—all because the top dog isn’t being a strong leader.

Non-Mandatory Social Gatherings Poorly Attended

Places of employment tend to create friendships simply because people spend so much time together; however toxic work environments can prevent that from happening. So when non-mandatory work functions don’t have many people showing up, that’s a sign that people aren’t getting along well in the workplace.

Just because you’re unhappy with your employment doesn’t mean it’s a toxic work environment.

Consistent Scapegoating of One or More People

If there are people who repeatedly get blamed for issues that arise, this could be a sign of a toxic work place. When people are blamed because they “always” mess up without evidence to back up these assertions, an unhealthy dynamic is at play.

Bully is Admired by Management

Is there a workplace bully that employees have to deal with because they have a cozy relationship with those in power? This is a set-up for the bully to continue (and even escalate) their tactics.

High Turnover Rate

Are people continually leaving the workplace, resulting in the need to hire new employees to replace them? A high turnover rate can indicate a high level of dissatisfaction at the workplace.